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LOCAL FIRST RESPONDERS AND OFFICERS GEAR UP FOR 13TH ANNUAL “SHOP WITH A HOMETOWN HERO”

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The Crookston Police Department and local first responders will have its 13th annual “Shop With a Hometown Hero” event on Tuesday, December 12, at the Crookston Walmart. There will be a photo opportunity with first responders and law enforcement from 4:20 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The shopping spree is scheduled to go until 5:30 p.m.

“Shop With a Hometown Hero” is a program that runs through Walmart every year, where the organization gives grant funding to children who are less fortunate to go on shopping sprees before Christmas. “This is a county-wide project; this isn’t just for Crookston,” said Crookston Police Officer Don Rasicot, “We look for underprivileged children; we look for children who may not have the ability to have a happy Christmas or have the ability to go shopping over the holidays.” Rasicot also explained that this is an excellent experience for children because they can meet a police officer, an EMS worker, Firefighter, or a National Guardsman.

Entities contributing to this project include The Crookston Police Department, Polk County Sheriff’s Office, and Polk County Social Services. They select 33 children who are best fit for a $75 gift card they will spend during the shopping spree with a Hometown hero.

“We’re going to start shopping at 4:30 p.m., and this is for kids that are on the list; they must be on the list,” said Rasicot, “We will give them a $75 gift card and assign them to a first responder. From there, they can shop for anything they want, and then they will check out at a register set up specifically for them.”

When the children have finished shopping, they will have the option to be assisted with wrapping presents. At 5:30 p.m., the officers will meet in the Garden Center with Walmart associates and wrap gifts. Walmart will supply all of the wrapping paper and bows.

Rasicot explained that this event benefits not only the children selected to participate but also law enforcement officers and first responders. “I can tell you this creates a lot of smiles on faces, and for our policeman (I can speak on their behalf), it brings them great joy,” said Rasicot, “Nobody gets paid; this is strictly volunteer work, but everybody that comes and does this, it brings them great joy to their heart. Any time you can make a child smile at Christmas time, I think it’s well worth it.”

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Ethel Waller – OBIT

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Ethel Waller, 104, of Halstad, MN, and formerly of Crookston, MN, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 29, 2023, at the Halstad Living Center, Halstad, MN. Ethel Mann was born on March 17, 1919, in the District of Bassand, Alberta, Canada, the daughter of Charley Kornielias and Emelia (Nelson-Dobak) Mann. Ethel lived in Canada and North Dakota her first 6 months of life. Ethel’s father Charley, died in 1919, and her mother then married Anton Thorson of Rindahl, MN. Ethel married Loyd V. Larson and was a housewife until Loyd’s death on January 24, 1970. On March 20, 1975, she was united in marriage to Chester Waller of Crookston, MN. They made their home in Crookston, MN, until Ethel entered the Halstad Living Center in 2011. Sadly, on April 24, 2019, Chester Waller passed away. Ethel was a member of Climax Lutheran Church and was also involved in the Ladies Aid. She was very active in Royal Neighbors of America. Ethel worked at Riverview Hospital, Jiffy Fry, and as a full-time housewife.

Loving family members who survive Ethel include sons Vernon (Janet) Larson of Nielsville, MN, and Bruce (Kim) Larson of Nielsville, MN; daughter Connie (Larry) Strand of Shelly, MN; step-children, Danniel (Flo) Waller Sue (Chris) Sogard, Todd (Linda) Waller; 15 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Marlene Cayler of Climax, MN.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Loyd V. Larson, in 1970; Chester, Waller, in 2019; son Brent A Larson in 1992; daughter, Karen Ann Dederick, in 2022 and son-in-law, Kenneth Dederick, in 1998; brother, Elmer Bernard Mann; sisters, Mabel Wollin of Eldred, MN, Clara Wegge of Holt, MN; and step-father, Anton Thorson in 1952.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Halstad Living Center, Hospice of the Red River Valley, or Sundet Cemetery Fund.

Blessed be the memory of Ethel Waller.

Memorial Service: In the Spring of 2024. The date and time of Services will be announced at that time.

Online Guestbook: www.dandahlfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements By: Dahl Funeral Home, East Grand Forks, MN.

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CROOKSTON GIRL’S HOCKEY HOSTS #2 RANKED WARROAD IN A SECTION 8A BATTLE – ON KROX VIDEO

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The Crookston Pirates Girl’s Hockey are coming off a well-played 3-1 loss to Champlin Park/Coon Rapids team on Saturday to put their record at 3-2-1 on the season. It only gets tougher for the Pirates as they host the Warroad Warriors, ranked #2 in the state Class A polls and defending Section 8A champions and defending Minnesota State Class A Champs!! Warroad is 5-1-0 on the season after beating the same Champlin Park/Coon Rapids team on Friday in Warroad 4-3. The Warriors lone loss is to #1 ranked Holy Angels Academy 3-2 a couple weeks ago in Richfield. Game time is 6:30 PM for varsity at the Crookston Sports Center and it will be VIDEO STREAMED only starting about 6:00 PM on the KROX RADIO platform.

Scoring
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                                             Addie Fee scores

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Stabbing attack at Philadelphia Macy’s kills 1 security guard, injures one other

Macy's building in downtown Philadelphia's Center District; September^19^ 2023

Police in Philadelphia have arrested a suspect in a deadly stabbing that left one security guard dead and another injured on Monday morning at the city’s historic Macy’s department store in Philadelphia, located in the 1300 block of Market Street in Center City.

Interim police commissioner John Stanford said on Monday that the incident began around 10:45 a.m. when a man allegedly attempted to steal multiple hats from the store. After the man was stopped by security, there was a  confrontation and the security guards retrieved the stolen merchandis, with the man allowed to leave – only to return about 15 minutes later.  The suspect headed toward one of the security guards, then ran toward a second security guard with a knife out and began to stab him, at which point he suffered several slash/stab wounds. Stanford said one security guard, a 30-year-old male, was stabbed in the neck and died from his injuries. The second security guard, 23, was stabbed in the arm and face and was listed in stable condition.

Philadelphia police said transit law enforcement apprehended the suspect at the SEPTA’s rapid transit train Somerset Station. Authorities have yet to release the identify of the suspect or victims.

Editorial credit: Florida Chuck / Shutterstock.com

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Former U.S. Ambassador to Bolivia arrested on charges of spying for Cuba for decades

Seal of Justice Department seen during press conference at US Attorney Office library

73-year-old Manuel Rocha, a former American diplomat who served as U.S. ambassador to Bolivia, has been arrested in a long-running FBI counterintelligence investigation. Rocha, who is accused of secretly serving as an agent of Cuba’s government, was arrested in Miami on Friday on a criminal complaint.

Rocha’s 25-year diplomatic career was spent under both Democratic and Republican administrations, much of it in Latin America during the Cold War. His roles included a stint at the U.S. Interests Section in Cuba during a time when the U.S. lacked full diplomatic relations with Fidel Castro’s communist government.

Born in Colombia, Rocha was the top U.S. diplomat in Argentina between 1997 and 2000. During his time as ambassador to Bolivia, he intervened directly into the 2002 presidential race, warning weeks ahead of the vote that the U.S. would cut off assistance to the poor South American country if it were to elect former coca grower Evo Morales. Rocha also served in Italy, Honduras, Mexico and the Dominican Republic, and worked as a Latin America expert for the National Security Council.

Following his retirement from the State Department, Rocha began a second career serving as the president of a gold mine in the Dominican Republic partly owned by Canada’s Barrick Gold. He’s also held senior roles at XCoal, a Pennsylvania-based coal exporter; Clover Leaf Capital, a company formed to facilitate mergers in the cannabis industry; law firm Foley & Lardner and Spanish public relations firms Llorente & Cuenca.

Attorney General Merrick Garland said on Monday, “This action exposes one of the furthest reaching and longest-lasting infiltrations of the U.S. government by a foreign agent.” Rocha’s initial appearance in court took place Monday, and he will be arraigned later this month.

Editorial credit: lev radin / Shutterstock.com

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Vanessa Hudgens marries MLB Player Cole Tucker after three years together

Cole Tucker and Vanessa Hudgens at AFI Fest on November 10^ 2021 in Hollywood^ CA

PEOPLE has confirmed that Vanessa Hudgens and Cole Tucker were married in Tulum, Mexico on Saturday, December 2. The High School Musical alum and professional baseball player have been together since 2020.

Rumors spread over the weekend that the couple had wed after photos were shared across social media.  Monique Coleman, Hudgens’ ‘High School Musical’ costar, appeared to be one of the guests in attendance at the beach wedding, sharing pics from Tulum via Instagram Stories over the weekend.

Hudgens and Tucker began dating in November 2020, and went social media official after Hudgens celebrated Valentine’s Day with a photo of the couple sharing a kiss and the caption: “It’s you, it’s me, it’s us.”  Nearly three years into their relationship, Tucker popped the question in Paris in front of the Eiffel Tower. The couple announced the news in a joint Instagram post, showing off a photo of Vanessa’s engagement ring and the caption: “YES. We couldn’t be happier.”

Editorial credit: DFree / Shutterstock.com

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Beyoncé shares surprise new song “My House”

Beyonce at the World premiere of 'The Lion King' held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood^ USA on July 9^ 2019.

Beyoncé has released her first new solo music since the release of her 2022 album Renaissance with the surprise new track titled “My House.” Produced by The-Dream and Beyoncé herself, ‘My House’ dropped as part of the debut of her new documentary film ‘Renaissance’, appearing during the credits of the film.

Beyoncé’s Rennaisance film follows the superstar entertainer for a year of live shows in support of the 2022 album of the same name. The Rennaisance tour began back in May, making its way across Europe and North America. The Rennaisance film took the No. 1 spot at the North American box office this weekend with $21M in earnings.

Take a listen to ‘My House’ – here.

Editorial credit: Tinseltown / Shutterstock.com

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BULLETIN BOARD-DECEMBER 5, 2023

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The Riverview Health Auxiliary’s Cookie Walk and Silent Auction Surge will be on today from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in Conference Rooms 1 and 2.

The Golden Link Senior Center will have Recycled Cards and Pinochle this afternoon starting at 1:00 p.m., followed by SAIL at 2:30 p.m.

The Crookston VFW will have a meeting tonight beginning at 5:00 p.m. at the Golde Link Senior Center.

The Crookston Eagles Club will host an Auxiliary meeting tonight beginning at 7:00 p.m.

The Golden Link Senior Center will have a Men’s Cards group on Wednesday, December 6, beginning at 8:00 a.m., followed by Cribbage at 10:00 a.m.

Santa Claus is coming to Erin LaPlante State Farm Agent’s office during their Christmas Open House on Wednesday, December 6, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Santa will be there from 5:00-6:00 p.m. Stop by and enjoy some sweet treats, hot drinks, and some fun activities for the kiddos!!

The Fisher American Legion will have Wednesday Burger Night on Wednesday, December 6.

The Crookston Eagles Club will host Dart League on Wednesday, December 7, beginning at 7:00 p.m.

United Valley Bank in Crookston invites their customers to a Holiday Open House on December 7 and 8. Join them for cookies, coffee, and cider.

The Golden Link Senior Center will have Bridge on Thursday, December 7, beginning at 12:30 p.m., followed by SAIL at 2:30 p.m.

The Golden Link Senior Center will host a Christmas party on Thursday, December 7, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The Crookston Eagles Club will have Bar Bingo on Thursday, December 7, starting at 6:30 p.m. The kitchen will serve baskets.

The Golden Link Senior Center will have Friday Morning Rolls on Friday, December 8, from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

The Community Christmas Food Basket Committee is again helping Crookston individuals and families in need this holiday season. They will be offering a gift card to Hugo’s to purchase food items through December 8. Individuals and families can call 218-289-9644 between 10:00 a.m. and 4:30 to register for a Hugo’s gift card. Only 1 gift card per family and address will be given. All gift cards will be mailed out before Christmas.

The Crookston Eagles Club will have Bar Bingo on Friday, December 8, starting at 6:30 p.m. This will be a $500 must-go jackpot, the kitchen will also serve baskets.

The Grand Theatre will show its Annual Free Christmas  Movie on Saturday, December 9, at 11:00 a.m. Santa will be there, and there will be prize drawings.

The Crookston Eagles Club will have Bar Bingo on Saturday, December 9, beginning at 2:00 p.m. This is a $400 must-go jackpot.

There will be a free sponsored movie at the Fosston Movie Theatre on Saturday, December 9, at 6:00 p.m. Free admission and free gift giveaways, sponsored as a “Thank You” by the Community Voice Mobile app.

The 12th Annual Christmas Concert in the Hafslo Church at the Polk County Museum will be held Sunday, December 10 at 7:00 p.m. with a Carols Sing-a-long and featuring the University of Minnesota Crookston Concert Choir under the direction of George French. A free will offering will be taken on behalf of the UMC Choir. A reception will follow in the Museum Auditorium with Christmas goodies and beverages. Sponsored by the Polk County Historical Society.

The Benedictine Crookston Auxiliary has the Angel Tree at the Villa South Entrance Door on Monday, December 11, and Tuesday, December 12 today, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Community members are encouraged to pick an Angel off of the tree to purchase a gift for a Villa Resident.

The Benedictine Living Community in Crookston will have a Resident Bake Sale on December 11 and 12  from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the  Wellness Room.

Join the Climax Public Library on Monday, December 11 at 7:00 p.m. at the Climax Community Center for a performance featuring musician Lyndon Johnson sharing the songs of Scandinavian pioneer immigrants to the Red River Valley and other Swedish Holiday folk music. The Climax Community Center is located at 105 W Broadway, Climax, Minnesota.

The Fisher American Legion will have a Legion and SAL meeting on Tuesday, December 12, starting at 7:00 p.m.

The Crookston FFA Alumni and Supporters will meet on Tuesday, December 12, at 7:00 p.m. in the Crookston High School Ag Room/Shop. If you are interested in helping support the local student FFA chapter, you are welcome to join. You do not have to be a past FFA member to join.

The public is invited to attend the presentation of the Evolution of Sugar Beets in the Red River Valley on December 13 at 1:00 p.m. in the Community Room at the Golden Link in Crookston. There will be video and slide presentations.

The Fisher American Legion will have Wednesday Burger Night on Wednesday, December 13.

Wesley United Methodist Church in Crookston will have its Blue Christmas Service on Sunday, December 13 at 7:00 p.m. There will be piano, guitar, and violin music selections. All are welcome. There will be a time of fellowship to follow.

Cathedral Elementary School invites you to their Christmas Program, “The Little Drummer Dude,” on Thursday, December 14 in the church. A dress rehearsal will take place at 1:00 pm, and the main performance will begin at 6:30 pm. All are invited!

The 2023 Canadian Pacific Holiday Train will stop in Plummer at the Main Railway crossing on Central Avenue on December 14 at 6:00 p.m. with a performance by professional musicians at 6:15. The CPKC makes a donation at each stop and encourages attendees to donate cash or a non-perishable food donation if they are able.

Tri-Valley Transportation will provide bus transportation to the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train on Thursday, December 14, with stops in Mahnomen at 4:20 p.m., Plummer at 6:00 p.m., and Thief River Falls at 7:30 p.m. The cost is $2 round-trip for riders in Mahnomen, Plummer, and Thief River Falls and $5 round-trip for riders from the other locations. Reserve your ride by noon on Wednesday, December 13, by calling Tri-Valley Transportation at 800-201-3432.

E.C.F.E. Pop-in and Play for ages birth to Kindergarten entrance will be on Saturday, December 16, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Washington School. You and your child can play in the gym using equipment designed for young children. Registration is not required.

The Red Lake Falls Civic and Commerce Committee will have their Holly Dazzle on Saturday, December 16, and Santa Day at the Red Lake Falls City Hall from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The Benedictine Living Community Crookston Auxiliary is accepting donations for their Light Up A Life Display. Your gift of $5 will light up a bulb in memory of a friend, loved one, or someone living whom you wish to honor. Please make checks payable to Benedictine Auxiliary, 516 Walsh, Crookston, MN. 56716. Donations will go towards the Benedictine Auxiliary Living Community in Crookston. The Light Up A Life Display will be lit from dusk to dawn from December 17 to January 5. Please join them at the entrance of the Villa for the lighting on December 17 at 5:00 p.m. for cocoa and cookies.

E.C.F.E. will have its Going To The Movies event on Monday, December 18, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Grand Theatre. Doors will open at 4:45 p.m. Join them for a free child-friendly movie. Concessions will be available for purchase.

The Fisher American Legion will have a SAL Smear tournament on Tuesday, December 19, starting at 7:00 p.m.

The Fisher American Legion will have Wednesday Night Burger Night on Wednesday, December 20.

On Saturday, January 6, the Friends of Rydell and Glacial Ridge Refuges Association will host a Snowshoe Lacing Workshop at the Rydell NWR Visitor Center. The one-day workshop will run from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Class participants will learn how to lace their pair of Ojibwa-style snowshoes. This is a fun, hands-on class. You’ll be able to work at your own pace with provided instructions and friendly presenters to assist you along the way. Snacks and lunch will be provided, courtesy of the Friends of Rydell and Glacial Ridge Refuges Association. Pre-registration is required, and class size is limited to 20 participants. The deadline for registration is December 15. For more information and to get a registration form, contact Bill Peterson at 218-280-1109 or bpeterso@umn.edu

The Care and Share in Crookston will have an Open Heart Open Doors Dinner and Silent Auction on Saturday, January 20, at the Crookston Eagles Hall. Social hour will be at 5:00, dinner of walleye or prime rib at 6:00, and Silent Auction and games at 7:00. Cost is $50 per ticket; call the Care and Share at 218-281-2644 for ticket information. Proceeds will go towards a cargo van.

CONTINUING ANNOUNCEMENTS

The Salvation Army Bell Ringing has begun and runs through Christmas Eve. Individuals and organizations interested in ringing the bell can register online at www.registertoring.com. Shifts are available seven days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. outside of Walmart in Crookston. For more info,  email Cody Kill at codykill@usc.salvationarmy.org or Garett Bengtson at garett.bengtson@gmail.com or call 701-741-2329.

This holiday season, you can sponsor a bell in loving memory or honor of a special veteran or soldier through December 31. The cost to sponsor is $1, and the bell will be hung on a tree displayed at the Main Street Courtyard in downtown Crookston for the month of December. Sponsor a bell by stopping at Scott’s True Value in Crookston or contact Kim Ringdahl at 218-281-7762, Jamie Cassavant at 218-289-0865, or Pam DeLage at 218-415-1615.

Cobblestone Hotel and Suites in Crookston will have a Mitten Tree in support of Crookston Family Services through December 30 in loving memory of Kim Samuelson of R.B.J.’s local restaurant. There will be hats, gloves, and scarves for all ages, one item per person.

As the Crookston Care and Share expand, its women’s dormitories are in need of twin bed frames, dressers, lamps, and end tables. Donate: call 218-281-2644.

The Crookston Squadron Civil Air Patrol meets every Sunday at 2:00 p.m. Call 218-281-3954 for more information.

Highland Elementary School is looking for new or used winter gloves and snow pants in sizes 8, 9, and 10. If you are interested in donating or have any questions, call 218-281-5600.

Parents of children are invited to register their children for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. The program provides one book every month to your child for FREE from when you enroll until they turn five. Crookston Public School manages the program, and you can register at www.ImaginationLibrary.com.

The Crookston Care and Share is now accepting donations of Women’s, Men’s, and children’s clothing, toiletries, and other everyday items. Donations may be dropped off at the Care and Share Center at 220 East Third Street or call 281-2644. The Donation Room is open Mondays and Wednesdays from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. and Fridays from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.

The Crookston Public Library’s Books & Brews Book Club meets on the fourth Tuesday of every other month at 6:30 p.m. at Drafts Sports Bar and Grill. They will discuss books and enjoy beverages. Appetizers are provided by the Friends of the Crookston Public Library; participants are responsible for the cost of their food and drinks. All are welcome.

The Crookston Public Library’s Reading by the Red Book Club meets on the fourth Tuesday every other month at 6:30 p.m. They will discuss books and enjoy beverages.

The Crookston Public Library will have StoryTime every Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

The Golden Link is serving noon lunch Monday through Friday. All are welcome to dine in between the hours of 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The Crookston Friends of the Library meet on the third Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m.

The Crookston Library Board meets on the first Wednesday of each month at 5:15 p.m.

The Cove Youth Center in Crookston is open Monday through Friday from 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Students and parents should call ahead to check the availability of the youth center at 218-470-0149.

The Crookston Care and Share Center’s Donation and New Hope Food Shelf will be open every Monday and Wednesday from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. and every Friday from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. For more information or to donate, call 218-277-0000.

 

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